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7 Tips and Steps
to Learn How to Care For a New Tattoo
by Omar Reyes |
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One of the first things you should
know when getting a tattoo is how to take care of a new tattoo.
Lucky for me I had a really good tattoo artist doing my tattoos
if not I probably would have messed things up quite a bit and
that would have been an unpleasant experience.
On one of my first pieces I used way too much ointment
and drew a lot of the ink out of the new tattoo. I had to go
in for some touch up work and go through the pain, again.
Any reliable tattoo shop and
their artists will give you instructions on tattoo after care.
Be sure you follow them properly. You really would not want to
go through all that pain and then have something go wrong. Most
artists will do touch up work for you, but it is certainly unnecessary
pain.
Here are some tips
and steps for how to care for a new tattoo |
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Keep the bandage over the new tattoo
for several hours. After that remove the bandage covering the
tattoo and do not re-bandage it. This allows the air to dry it
and start the healing process.
Wash
the new tattoo gently with an antibacterial soap. Do not scrub
or use too much pressure. Make sure to rinse the area of any
blood, bodily fluids, and soap. Do this every couple hours until
the oozing stops.
After washing
your new tattoo, apply a healing ointment to the area. Vitamin
D ointment is highly recommended. Just don't put too much. You'll
want to do this several times a day.
In addition to the ointment, or after several days
of using just the ointment, begin moisturizing the tattooed area
several times a day. Make sure to use an unscented and alcohol
free moisturizer. This will help with the itching as the tattoo
heals.
Avoid long baths, hot
tubs, pools or any other prolonged exposure to water. Showers
are fine, but again do not scrub the area vigorously or keep
it soaking in water. If the tattoo is on your hand or wrist,
avoid washing dishes for a prolonged period (lucky you!)
Avoid the sun. The sun can always
do damage to your new tattoo, but especially so when your new
tattoo is still healing. You do not want to dry out the healing
tattoo area and definitely don't want to get a sunburn. Always
make sure to use a generous amount of sun block on your tattoo
or your tattoo will fade.
Never
pick or scratch the tattooed area, even (and especially) if it
scabs up or some skin peels away. Allow the tattoo to fully heal
on its own.
In general, use
common sense when taking care of your new tattoo. Treat your
tattoo like you would most other open wounds on your body. Wash
it, moisturize it, keep it clean and avoid exposure to water
and sunlight. Follow the above tips and you and your tattoo will
end up well preserved, perfectly healed and you will be perfectly
healthy. |
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